Automobiles (or cars) are vehicles designed to be driven on public roads, typically with seating for one to six people and powered by a motor. They usually have four wheels and use gasoline or diesel fuel.
The automobile revolutionized the way Americans work and live. It ended rural isolation, brought urban amenities such as schools and medical care to rural areas, altered the architecture of city neighborhoods and suburbs, and freed women from household chores. It also spawned an industry that provided jobs for thousands of people in manufacturing plants, on roads and bridges, and in services such as gas stations and convenience stores.
Exactly who invented the automobile is still a matter of debate, with the most widely accepted figure being Karl Benz, from Germany, who built the first true car in 1885/1886. However, it is clear that he wasn’t the only inventor to create a vehicle with an internal combustion engine and that there were many others after him.
By the 1920s, Henry Ford had perfected mass production techniques and introduced the Model T. His low price meant that automobiles could be afforded by more and more Americans. This was the era of automobile saturation, and by the 1930s market saturation coincided with technological stagnation: product and production innovation became incremental rather than dramatic.
As the demand for automobiles continued to rise, a number of industries developed to support them. Oil and gasoline companies flourished, as did manufacturers of parts such as transmissions, radiators, tires, and brakes. Other new jobs were created to support these industries, as well as in service-related businesses such as repair shops and dealers. In addition, towns and cities grew to accommodate automobile traffic, and the nation’s highway system was developed to enable people to travel long distances quickly.
The automobile was particularly influential in the United States because of its vast land area, relatively high per capita income, and a history of manufacturing that encouraged production of goods on a large scale. The absence of tariff barriers between states promoted the spread of the automotive industry throughout the nation, and cheap raw materials made it possible to manufacture automobiles at a lower cost than in Europe.
By the end of the twentieth century, American automobile ownership was virtually universal and a major influence on society. However, in the twenty-first century, the automobile has been surpassed by other forces that are shaping our world. This new era can be called the Age of Electronics, and its development may eventually render obsolete the need for a world of motor vehicles. The automobile is still a vital part of our lives, but it is no longer a progressive force for change. It has been replaced by other new forces, including the electronic media, the laser, and the computer.